Weed Vapes: Airport Security Clearance?

Vaping devices are allowed in carry-on luggage or on your person when travelling by plane. However, they are prohibited in checked luggage. This is due to safety concerns, as there have been reports of small fires breaking out in cargo holds due to these devices. It is also important to note that, while TSA officers are not actively looking for drugs, they will turn you and any questionable items over to airport security if they notice something. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid bringing weed vapes on planes, as cannabis is federally illegal in the US and prohibited on most flights.

Weed vapes are prohibited in checked baggage

If you're travelling with a weed vape, it's important to know the rules about what you can and can't take with you. While regulations differ depending on the country and airline, there is one consistent rule: weed vapes are prohibited in checked baggage.

This rule was implemented by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2016 after reports of small fires breaking out in cargo holds. The fires were caused by vape devices with lithium batteries, which are prone to exploding and catching fire. This restriction is in place for the safety of all passengers and crew.

If you're travelling with a weed vape, it must be in your carry-on baggage or on your person. However, it's important to note that cannabis products are federally illegal in the United States, so you may be taking a risk even if you follow the proper procedures for carrying your vape.

To avoid any issues, make sure your vape is clean and free of any cannabis residue. Even if you are travelling to or from a state where marijuana is legal, your vape may be considered illegal contraband in other states or countries. If you're unsure, it's best to leave your weed vape at home and purchase a new one at your destination if necessary.

They are allowed in carry-on baggage

Vaping devices are allowed in carry-on baggage, but there are a few things you should know before packing your weed vape for your next flight.

Firstly, it's important to note that while weed vapes are allowed in carry-on baggage, they are prohibited in checked baggage. This is a safety precaution due to the risk of fires in the cargo hold. So, make sure your vape is easily accessible in your carry-on bag or even in your pocket.

When packing your weed vape, ensure that you take measures to prevent accidental activation of the heating element during transit. This could include disassembling your vape pen and placing the components neatly in a carry case, making it easier for inspection by TSA agents. Each lithium-ion battery must not exceed a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100 Wh, and for lithium metal batteries, the lithium content should not be more than 2 grams.

Additionally, be mindful of the liquids rule. All liquids, including e-juice or vape juice, must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) and stored in a quart-sized plastic bag. To avoid leakage due to changes in cabin pressure, it's recommended to carry partially used bottles and double bag your liquids for extra protection.

Keep in mind that while weed vapes are allowed in carry-on baggage, cannabis products, including THC oil cartridges, are prohibited on most flights. Make sure your vape is thoroughly cleaned and free of any cannabis residue before packing it. If there is any chance that a drug-sniffing dog could detect cannabis on your vape, it's best to leave it at home.

Lastly, check with your specific airline for any additional restrictions or limitations on the number of devices allowed for personal use. The TSA officer at the checkpoint has the final say on whether an item is allowed through, so it's always good to be informed and prepared.

Lithium batteries must be carried onto the plane

Lithium batteries, which power everyday devices, can catch fire if damaged or if their battery terminals are short-circuited. For this reason, devices containing lithium batteries, including smartphones, tablets, cameras, laptops, portable rechargers, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices, must be carried onto the plane in your carry-on baggage. If these devices are packed in checked baggage, they should be turned off, protected from accidental activation, and packed so they are protected from damage.

If you are carrying spare lithium batteries, they must be placed in your carry-on baggage. They should be protected from damage, accidental activation, and short circuits. Battery terminals should be protected by the manufacturer’s packaging or covered with tape and placed in separate bags to prevent short circuits.

When carrying vaping devices with lithium batteries, it is important to take extra precautions. Keep the devices in a safe plastic battery case to avoid accidents and prevent contact with other batteries. Additionally, make sure your devices are charged, as TSA screeners may ask you to turn them on to ensure they are not explosives.

It is important to note that different airlines may have specific limitations on the number of devices that can be carried for personal use, so it is recommended to check with your airline before your travel.

Vape cartridges are subject to the TSA liquids rule

The liquids rule applies to all liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes, which must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml) and must fit into a single quart-sized plastic bag. This includes items such as toothpaste, shampoo, hair gel, lip balm, and deodorant. If you have more liquids than can fit in the quart-sized bag, you will need to put them in your checked luggage. It is recommended to double bag liquids to prevent leakage.

Cabin pressure can cause full bottles to expand or even split, so it is best to carry partially used bottles that have some empty space. This is also true for vape cartridges; it is recommended to carry them partially used to allow for the liquid to expand and prevent leakage. Additionally, it is better to transport your vape cartridges in your carry-on luggage rather than in your pockets while going through airport security.

It is important to note that the rules for flying with vape devices and cartridges may vary slightly depending on the airline and destination, so it is always a good idea to check with your airline and the local laws of your destination before travelling.

TSA does not actively search for illegal drugs

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not actively search for illegal drugs, including cannabis and vape cartridges containing THC. Their screening procedures are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers, and they do not specifically target marijuana or other illegal substances.

However, if any illegal drugs are discovered during the security screening process, TSA officers will refer the matter to law enforcement. This means that even if you are travelling from a state or city where marijuana is legal, you may still be required to dispose of it or face further consequences. For example, at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, where possession of up to an ounce of marijuana is legal, travellers are provided with "amnesty boxes" to dispose of their products without facing punishment. However, if the amount of marijuana exceeds one ounce, it is considered a felony, and travellers may face fines or other penalties.

It is important to note that marijuana and cannabis-infused products, including CBD oil, remain illegal under federal law, except for products containing no more than 0.3% THC or those approved by the FDA. Therefore, even if you are travelling with a small amount of marijuana for personal use, you may still be subject to search and seizure by law enforcement if it is discovered during airport security screening.

To avoid any potential issues, it is recommended not to travel with any cannabis or THC vape cartridges, as the consequences can be severe, including confiscation, fines, and even arrest. Even if you are travelling within a state or country where marijuana is legal, it is generally safer to purchase and consume it at your destination rather than risk running into issues at the airport.

Additionally, it is important to remember that the laws and enforcement policies regarding marijuana possession can vary from airport to airport, and local laws may also come into play. Therefore, it is always best to check the specific regulations of the airport and the local jurisdiction before attempting to travel with any marijuana or illegal substances.

Frequently asked questions